Florida Man Shot and Killed During a Home Invasion
A 20-year-old man died during a home invasion in Orlando on April 20. Local police officers received calls about a shooting near Curry Ford Road and found the man shot inside an apartment at Canopy Apartment Villas. Emergency services took the victim to the hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead. Police have not given any additional information regarding the shooting or home invasion.
Home invasions may be a type of burglary or trespass, and courts often punish these offenders more severely than other burglary crimes. Florida state prosecutors take criminal charges very seriously and will most likely seek the maximum punishment for all charges. If you face criminal charges in Central Florida, you need the assistance of a skilled criminal defense attorney.
Possible Charges for Illegally Entering Someone’s Home
Depending on the case, you might face various criminal charges for a home invasion. Most charges have some ail time or fines as punishment, but the extent of punishment may depend on prior criminal history and the nature of the crime. In the case mentioned above, the individual may face robbery with a deadly weapon.
This is a first-degree felony, and the criminal penalties may include:
- Minimum 34.5 months in prison, but can go up to 30 years
- Up to 30 years on probation
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Remember, simply having a deadly weapon on your person is enough to receive this charge –– you do not have to use it. However, the individual who broke into the apartment and killed the man could also face the more severe charge of murder. Like other crimes, murder charges vary depending on the case — the more severe the incident, the harsher the penalties.
You might also face burglary charges. Florida defines this as unlawfully entering a home, business, or vehicle with the intent to commit a crime. Burglary is especially damaging if you commit a battery offense in the process. Depending on the severity, state prosecutors may pursue charges as a misdemeanor or felony.
Regardless of how tough your case may seem, there is always hope. Your attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal for a lesser charge or work to drop the case altogether. Every case is different, though. For more information, consult with an attorney.
Is it Legal to Shoot an Intruder in Florida?
Under Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, a person can use deadly force as self-defense if they feel that such force is necessary to save themselves or others from imminent death or bodily harm. Suppose the individual was in their home or vehicle. In that case, the law presumes that they had a reasonable fear of death, danger, or bodily harm and the person unlawfully entering the house has the intent to commit a crime.
Limitations to Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law
The law does have limitations and conditions. For example, you cannot be doing anything illegal at the time of shooting an intruder. Additionally, you may not be able to claim self-defense if the “intruder” had the legal right to be in your home or permission to be on the property. Furthermore, you cannot shoot police officers who may enter your home while performing their job duties. Any deadly or physical force toward a police officer is unlawful.
Skilled Criminal Defense Attorneys in Central Florida
Ultimately, criminal charges can result in lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, or a mix of both. When facing these charges in Orlando, contact the criminal defense attorneys at The Umansky Law Firm. We believe that it is essential to work closely with our clients throughout every stage of the legal process, so our reputable lawyers will offer legal advice as you navigate the charges against you.
As former prosecutors who have tried hundreds of cases in Florida courtrooms, we provide a unique approach many other law firms cannot offer. Our attorneys know how the prosecution will approach criminal cases, and we use this knowledge to create the best defense possible.
At The Umansky Law Firm, we believe that everyone deserves a second chance. Let us fight for yours. Call our office or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
